IL300467B2

IL300467B2 - Replaceable cutting head having external thread with concavely curved root and rotary cutting tool

Info

Publication number: IL300467B2
Application number: IL300467A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Iscar Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-08
Filing date: 2021-08-02
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: CA3186535A1; CN116033985B; BR112023001629A2; JP7764460B2; US20220072636A1; IL300467B1; EP4210886A1; KR20230065255A; IL300467A; WO2022054039A1; US11426803B2; JP2023539548A; TW202222453A; CN116033985A

Description

REPLACEABLE CUTTING HEAD HAVING EXTERNAL THREAD WITH CONCAVELY CURVED ROOT AND ROTARY CUTTING TOOL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The subject matter of the present application relates to rotary cutting tools of the type in which a replaceable cutting head, having a male coupling member, is removably retained in a female coupling member, of a tool holder, by means of a threaded coupling mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Rotary cutting tools can be provided with a threaded coupling mechanism, or "tool joint", for securely retaining a replaceable cutting head within a tool holder.The replaceable cutting head can include a male coupling member and the tool holder can include a female coupling member. The male coupling member can include an external thread. The female coupling member can include an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread on the male coupling member.The external threads have external loaded surfaces for abutting corresponding surface on the internal thread. The external loaded surfaces are typically straight. The external threads have external roots which merge with a respective external loaded surface.In some such rotary cutting tools, the external roots are substantially straight and have a small radius where they merge with the respective external loaded surface. An example of such a rotary cutting tool is disclosed in, for example, US 6,485,220. A disadvantage of such external threads is that they are prone to stress fracture in the region where the external roots adjoin the respective external loaded surface (i.e. at the small radius).In other such rotary cutting tools, in order to overcome such a problem, the roots are elliptical. Examples of such a rotary cutting tool are disclosed in, for example, US 4,799,844 and US 5,060,740.In yet other such rotary cutting tools, the external threads have roots defined by one or more radii. Examples of such a rotary cutting tool is disclosed in US 4,549,754, US 6,196,598 B1, US 7,997,842 B2 and US 9,874,058 B2.

It is an object of the subject matter of the present application to provide a replaceable cutting head having an external thread with improved stress reduction.It is an object of the subject matter of the present application to provide a replaceable cutting head having an external thread with improved distribution of stress concentration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a replaceable cutting head, having a head longitudinal axis extending in a forward to rearward direction, comprisinga forward portion forming a cutting portion comprising at least one cutting edge; anda rearward portion forming a mounting portion, the mounting portion comprising a male coupling member having an external thread and protruding rearwardly from a head base surface, the head base surface extending transversely with respect to the head longitudinal axis, and defining a boundary between the cutting portion and the mounting portion, wherein:the external thread comprises an external thread ridge extending helically about an external thread axis and comprising forward and rearward external flank surfaces and an external top surface extending therebetween;the forward and rearward external flank surfaces generally face in opposite axial directions and delimit a helical external thread groove that comprises an external bottom surface;the external thread has a constant external thread pitch;the external thread has a constant external thread height;the external thread of the male coupling member is a straight thread defined by external inner and outer cylinders, the external inner cylinder having a minor thread diameter and the external outer cylinder having a major thread diameter; andin a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis:the forward and rearward external flank surfaces form a plurality of straight external loaded surfaces and a plurality of external non-loaded surfaces respectively;the external bottom surface forms a plurality of concavely curved external thread roots, each external thread root extending between first and second external root points and merging with a respective external loaded surface at the first external root point, the first external root point is spaced apart from the external inner cylinder by a first external radial distance; andthe first external radial distance is greater than a third of the external thread height HE and less than two thirds of the external thread height HE.In accordance with a second aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a rotary cutting tool having a longitudinal axis and extending in a forward to rearward direction, comprising:a tool holder having a holder longitudinal axis and a replaceable cutting head of the type described above threadingly engaged to the tool holder.It is understood that the above-said is a summary, and that features described hereinafter may be applicable in any combination to the subject matter of the present application, for example, any of the following features may be applicable to the replaceable cutting head or the rotary cutting tool:The first external radial distance can be greater than five twelfths of the external thread height HE and less than seven twelfths of the external thread height.Each external loaded surface can have an external loaded surface length measured along contour thereof. Each external thread root can have an external thread root length measured along the contour thereof between the first and second external root points. The external thread root length can be between three and six times greater than the external loaded surface length.The minor thread diameter can be at least 75% of the major thread diameter.The external thread can have between three and four turns in the axial direction.The external thread can be a single start thread.The external thread height can be greater than a third of the external thread pitch and less than half of the external thread pitch.Each external thread root can be defined by a single external root radius.The external root radius can be greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.The first and second external root points can subtend an external root subtend angle at the circle center of an imaginary circle defined by the external root radius. The external root subtend angle θ can be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 160°.

The external non-loaded surfaces can be straight. Each external thread root can merge tangentially with a respective external non-loaded surface at the second external root point. The external root subtend angle θ can be greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 140°.The external root radius can be greater than a third of the external thread pitch and less than half of the external thread pitch.Each external thread root can merge tangentially with the respective external loaded surface.Each external thread root can merge with a respective external non-loaded surface at the second external root point.The external non-loaded surfaces can be straight.Each external thread root can merge tangentially with the respective external non-loaded surface.The first and second external root points can be spaced apart in an axial direction by a point distance, the point distance can be greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE and less than half of the external thread pitch.The external loaded surfaces can be inclined at an external flank angle with respect to a head radial plane perpendicular to the external thread axis. The external flank angle is in the range of28° < α < 34°.In said cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis, the external top surface can form a plurality of external thread crests each comprising a radially outermost external crest surface, the radially outermost external crest surfaces can be parallel to the external thread axis and co-linear with each other.In said cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis, each straight external loaded surface can have an external loaded surface height measured perpendicular to the external thread axis. The external loaded surface height can be greater than a third of the external thread height HE and less than three-fifths of the external thread height.The replaceable cutting head can be made from a first material. The tool holder can be made from a second material. The first material can be harder than the second material.The tool holder can have a female coupling member having an internal thread extending rearwardly from a holder forward surface, the holder forward surface extending transversely with respect to the holder longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting tool can be adjustable between: a released position in which the internal and external threads may not be threadingly engaged to one another, and a locked position in which the male coupling member can be removably retained in the female coupling member with the internal and external threads threadingly engaged to one another.The internal thread of the female coupling member can be a straight thread defined by internal inner and outer cylinders.The internal thread can have a constant internal thread pitch which can be the same as the external thread pitch.The internal thread can comprise an internal thread ridge, extending helically about an internal thread axis, and comprising forward and rearward internal flank surfaces and an internal top surface extending therebetween. The forward and rearward internal flank surfaces can generally face in opposite axial directions and delimit a helical internal thread groove that comprises an internal bottom surface. The forward external flank surface and the forward internal flank surface can face in the forward direction. The rearward external flank surface and the rearward internal flank surface can face in the rearward direction. In the locked position, the rearward internal flank surface can abut the forward external flank surface.In the locked position, the forward internal flank surface can be spaced apart from the rearward external flank surface. The internal top surface can be spaced apart from the external bottom surface. The internal bottom surface can be spaced apart from the external top surface.In a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the internal thread axis, the forward and rearward internal flank surfaces can form a plurality of internal non-loaded surfaces and a plurality of internal loaded surfaces respectively, the internal loaded surfaces can be straight.The internal top surface can form a plurality of internal thread crests, each of the plurality of internal thread crests comprising a radially innermost internal crest surface which can be parallel to the internal thread axis, the radially innermost internal crest surfaces can be co-linear with each other.Each of the plurality of internal thread crests can comprise a relieved internal crest surface extending between a respective radially innermost internal crest surface and a respective internal loaded surface. Each relieved internal crest surface can be oriented transversely with respect to the respective radially innermost internal crest surface and the respective internal loaded surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES For a better understanding of the present application and to show how the same may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rotary cutting tool; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary cutting tool shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of a replaceable cutting head shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 4 is a detail of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of a male coupling member shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tool holder shown in Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a female coupling member shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a detail of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a detail of the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rotary cutting tool shown in Fig. 1, when the rotary cutting tool is in a locked position.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject matter of the present application can be practiced without the specific configurations and details presented herein.

Attention is first drawn to Figs. 1 and 2 showing a rotary cutting tool 20of the type used for milling operations, specifically end milling, in accordance with embodiments of the subject matter of the present application. The rotary cutting tool 20has a tool longitudinal axis Laround which the tool rotates in a direction of rotation Rwhen performing metal cutting operations.The rotary cutting tool 20includes a replaceable cutting head 22that has a head longitudinal axis A , around which the replaceable cutting head 22rotates in the direction of rotation R . The head longitudinal axis Aextends in the forward DFto rearward direction DR . The replaceable cutting head 22is made from a first material. The first material can be cemented carbide.The rotary cutting tool 20also includes a tool holder 24having a holder longitudinal axis C . The tool holder 24is made from a second material. The second material can be harder than the first material. The second material can be steel. The replaceable cutting head 22can be removably retained in the tool holder 24by means of a threaded coupling mechanism. Such a threaded coupling mechanism could possibly be advantageous for other types of rotary cutting operations than that stated hereinabove, such as, for example, reaming or drilling.It should be appreciated that use of the terms "forward" and "rearward" throughout the description and claims refer to a relative position of the replaceable cutting head 22to the tool holder 24of the assembled rotary cutting tool 20 , as seen in Fig. 1. The terms "forward" and "rearward" may also be applied in a direction of the head longitudinal axis Atowards the left and right, respectively, in Figs. 3 and 4, and also in a direction of holder longitudinal axis Ctowards the left and right, respectively, in Figs. 6 and 7. It is understood that the tool holder 24also extends along its own forward to rearward direction along the holder longitudinal axis C .Reference is now made to Figs. 3 to 5. The replaceable cutting head 22has a forward portion that forms a cutting portion 26and a rearward portion that forms a mounting portion 28 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application the replaceable cutting head 22can be formed to have unitary integral one-piece construction. This provides an advantage in that the replaceable cutting head 22has no detachable cutting inserts (not shown).Referring to Fig. 3, the cutting portion 26includes at least one cutting edge 30, 30b . In this non-limiting example shown in the drawings the at least one cutting edge 30, 30bcan include exactly four peripheral cutting edges. Each peripheral cutting edge 30is formed at the intersection of a peripheral relief surface 32 , and a peripheral rake surface 34 . The peripheral relief surface 32 is located rotationally behind the peripheral cutting edge 30and the peripheral rake surface 34is located rotationally ahead of the peripheral cutting edge 30 , both in respect to the direction of rotation R . The orientation of the peripheral cutting edge 30allows metal cutting operations to be performed.In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the cutting portion 26can include at least one flute 36for evacuating chips (not shown) that are produced during the cutting operation. One flute 36is associated with each peripheral cutting edge 30 . The at least one cutting edge 30, 30bcan include one or more end cutting edges 30bat an end face 37of the cutting portion 26.In this non-limiting example shown in the drawings, the at least one cutting edge 30, 30bcan include exactly four end cutting edges 30b .Making reference now to Figs. 3 and 4, the mounting portion 28includes a male coupling member 38that protrudes rearwardly from a head base surface 40 . The head base surface 40 extends transversely with respect to the head longitudinal axis Aand defines a boundary between the cutting portion 26and the mounting portion 28 . That is to say, the cutting portion 26is formed forward of the head base surface 40and the mounting portion 28is formed rearward of the head base surface 40 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application the male coupling member 38can be rigid. The head base surface 40can be perpendicular to the head longitudinal axis A . The head base surface 40is intended to abut a corresponding surface 70(described further below) on the tool holder 24when the rotary cutting tool 20is in a locked position, as will be described hereinafter.The male coupling member 38includes an external (male) thread 42 . Referring to Fig. 3, the external thread 42includes an external thread ridge 44that extends helically about an external thread axis B . The external thread axis Bis co-incident with the head longitudinal axis A . Thus, the external thread portion 42and the replaceable cutting head 22are co-axial. Referring to Fig. 4, the external thread ridge 44includes forward and rearward external flank surfaces 46, 48and an external top surface 50that extends therebetween. The forward and rearward external flank surfaces 46, 48face in opposite axial directions DF , DR , with the forward external flank surface 46 facing in the forward direction DFand the rearward external flank surface 48facing in the rearward direction DR . The forward and rearward external flank surfaces 46, 48delimit an external thread groove 52 . The external thread groove 52extends helically about the external thread axis Band includes an external bottom surface 54 . The external thread 42has an external thread pitch PE . The external thread pitch PEis constant.As shown in Fig. 4, in a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane (that is, a plane that contains the external thread axis B ) the external top surface 50forms a plurality of external thread crests 56and the external bottom surface 54forms a plurality of external thread roots 58 .In the same cross-sectional view, the forward and rearward external flank surfaces 46, 48 form a plurality of external loaded surfaces 59aand a plurality of external non-loaded surfaces 59b , respectively. The external loaded surfaces 59aserve the purpose to contact a corresponding surface on an internal (female) thread. The external loaded surfaces 59aare straight. Each external loaded surface 59ahas an external loaded surface length L1measured along the contour of external loaded surface 59a . Each external loaded surface 59ahas an external loaded surface height HS measured perpendicular to the external thread axis B . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the external loaded surfaces 59acan be inclined at an external flank angle αwith respect to a head radial plane RP1perpendicular to the external thread axis B . Preferably, the external flank angle αcan be between 28° - 34°, and more preferably is 31°. The external non-loaded surfaces 59bcan be straight. The external non-loaded surfaces 59b can be inclined to the head radial plane RP1at the same flank angle αas the external loaded surfaces 59a(but reflected about the head radial plane RP1 ). The external thread 42defines an external thread form 60. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the external thread 42is a straight thread. It should be appreciated that the term "straight thread" throughout the description and claims relates to a thread where the thread ridge and thread groove extends about a respective cylinder and thus all the thread crests 56, 88are equidistant from the thread axis, as are all the thread roots 58, 90 . Thus, in a straight thread, both thread diameters (the thread major diameter d1of external thread ridge 44 , and the thread minor diameter d2of the external thread groove 52)are constant in the rearward direction DFof the cutting head 22 . Such a straight thread may be formed by threading the hollow forward end of a cylindrical steel rod with an external turning insert. As the steel rod rotates and moves in the axial direction to form the external thread it does not move radially away from the ‘static’ cutting insert so that the thread has a cylindrical configuration. Specifically, the thread groove extends about an external inner cylinder EC1defined by the points where the external bottom surface 54are closest to the external thread axis B .. The external thread ridge extends about an external outer cylinder EC2defined by the points where the external top surface 50are furthest from the external thread axis B . The external inner and outer cylinders EC1, EC2have the external thread axis Bas their respective axes.The plurality of external thread crests 56define the thread major diameter (corresponding to external outer cylinder EC2 ) and the plurality of external thread roots 58define the thread minor diameter (associated with external inner cylinder EC1 ) of the external thread 42 , respectively. The major diameter minus the minor diameter, divided by two, equals the external thread height HEof the external thread 42 . The external thread height HEis constant. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the minor thread diameter d2of the external thread groove 52can be at least 75% of the major thread diameter d1of external thread ridge 44 . Thus, the overall strength and rigidity of the external thread 42is not detrimentally affected. The external thread height HEcan be greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE . The external thread height HEcan be less than half of the external thread pitch PE.The external loaded surface height HScan be greater than a third of the external thread height HE . The external loaded surface height HScan be less than three-fifths of the external thread height HE .In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the external thread 42can have between three and four turns in the axial direction. Advantageously, this permits the cutting head 22to be manufactured with less material than other cutting heads (not shown) having more turns. The external thread 42can be a single start thread.In a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis B , each external thread root 58is concavely curved. That is to say, each external thread root 58curves inwardly. Advantageously such a configuration reduces stress at the external thread root 58 . Each external thread root 58extends between first and second external root points P1, P2 . The first and second external root points P1, P2are the points on the external thread form 60at which opposing extremities of each concavely curved external thread root 58terminate and transition into adjacent non-concavely curved external loaded and non-load surfaces 59a, 59b , respectively. The first and second external root points P1, P2are further from the external thread axis Bthan a mid-portion of the external thread root 58 . Each external thread root 58has an external thread root length L2 measured along the contour of the external thread root 58between the first and second external root points P1, P2 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the external thread root length L2can be greater than the external loaded surface length L1 . In particular, the external thread root length L2can be between three and six times greater than the external loaded surface length L1 .Reference is made in particular to Fig. 5. Each external thread root 58merges with a respective external loaded surface 59aat the first external root point P1 . The first external root point P1is spaced apart from the external inner cylinder EC1by a first external radial distance ERD1.The first external root point P1is spaced apart from the external outer cylinder EC2by a second external radial distance ERD2 . The sum of the first external radial distance ERD1and the second external radial distance ERD2is equal to the external thread height HE.The first external radial distance ERD1is greater than a third of the external thread height HEand less than two thirds of the external thread height HE . Advantageously, combined with the concavely curved root, this provides a reduction of stress at the external thread root, thereby increasing tool life, while at the same time providing sufficient contact area between the external and internal loaded surface 59a, 91afor a secure threaded coupling. Further advantageously, this configuration provides enlarged clearance to allow threaded engagement with an internal thread having increased height. Preferably, in accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first external radial distance ERD1can be greater than five twelfths of the external thread height HEand less than seven twelfths of the external thread height HE .In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, in a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis B , the first and second external root points P1, P2can be spaced apart in an axial direction by a point distance d . The point distance dcan be greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE . The point distance dcan be less than half of the external thread pitch PE .In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first external radial distance ERD1can be less than the second external radial distance ERD2. Stated differently, the first external root point P1is further from the external outer cylinder EC2 than from the external inner cylinder EC1 . Each external thread root 58can merge tangentially with the respective external loaded surface 59a . Each external thread root 58can merge with a respective external non-loaded surface 59bat the second external root point P2 . In such a configuration, each external thread root 58extends between one of the external loaded surfaces 59aand one of the external non-loaded surfaces 59b . In the configuration where the external non loaded surfaces (59b) are straight, each external thread root 58can merge tangentially with the respective external non-loaded surface 59b .In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each external thread root 58can be defined by a single external root radius R . Advantageously, this provides an improved distribution of stress at the external thread root 58 . Further advantageously, such cutting heads 22are easier to manufacture. The external root radius Rcan be greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. The external root radius Rcan be less than or equal to 0.5 mm. The first and second external root points P1, P2can subtend an external root subtend angle θat the circle center Oof an imaginary circle defined by the external root radius R.The external root subtend angle θ can be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 160°. The external root radius Rcan be greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE . The external root radius Rcan be less than half of the external thread pitch PE . In the configuration where the external non-loaded surfaces (59b) are straight and each external thread root 58merges tangentially with a respective external non-loaded surface 59bat the second external root point P2 , the external root subtend angle θcan be greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 140°.In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the plurality of external thread crests 56each include a radially outermost external crest surface 61a . The radially outermost external crest surfaces 61acan be parallel to the external thread axis Band co-linear with each other. Thus, a radially outermost portion of the external top surface 50can lie on the external outer cylinder EC2 .As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the male coupling member 38includes a forward bearing portion 62 . The forward bearing portion 50is located on the forward side of the external thread 42 . The forward bearing portion 62includes a forward head abutment surface 64that tapers radially inwardly towards the head longitudinal axis Ain a rearward direction DR . That is to say, the forward head abutment surface 64has a conical shape facing radially outwards. It is noted that the forward head abutment surface 64is intended to abut a corresponding surface 94(described further below) on the tool holder 24when the rotary cutting tool 20is in a locked position, as will be described hereinafter.It should be appreciated that use of the terms "radially inward/inwardly" and "radially outward/outwardly" throughout the description and claims refer to a relative position in a perpendicular direction in relation to the head longitudinal axis Aand/or holder longitudinal axis C , towards and away from the respective axis, in Figs. 3 to 4 and Fig. 7.Referring now to Figs. 6 to 8, the tool holder 24has a holder longitudinal axis Cthat extends in the forward DFto rearward direction DR . The tool holder 24includes a holder peripheral surface 71which extends about the holder longitudinal axis C.The tool holder 24includes a female coupling member 68that extends rearwardly from a holder forward surface 70 . The holder forward surface 70extends transversely with respect to the holder longitudinal axis C . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application the holder forward surface 70can be perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis C .The female coupling member 68includes an internal (female) thread 72 . As shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female coupling member 68containing the internal thread axis D(i.e. Fig. 7), the internal thread 72includes an internal thread ridge 74that extends helically about an internal thread axis D . The internal thread axis Dis co-incident with the holder longitudinal axis C . Thus, the internal thread 72is co-axial with the tool holder 24 . The internal thread ridge 74includes forward and rearward internal flank surfaces 76, 78and an internal top surface 80that extends therebetween. The forward and rearward internal flank surfaces 76, 78 face in opposite axial directions DF, DR , with the forward internal flank surface 76facing in the forward direction DFand the rearward internal flank surface 78facing in the rearward direction DR.The forward and rearward internal flank surfaces 76, 78delimit an internal thread groove 82 . The internal thread 72has an internal thread pitch PI . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the internal thread pitch PIcan be constant. The internal thread pitch PIcan be same as the external thread pitch PE. The internal thread groove 82extends helically about the internal thread axis Dand includes an internal bottom surface 84 . In a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane (that is, a plane that contains the internal thread axis D ) the internal top surface 80forms a plurality of internal thread crests 88and the internal bottom surface 84forms a plurality of internal thread roots 90 . The tool holder 24has a holder thickness Tmeasured in a radial direction between the holder peripheral surface 71and the internal top surface 80. Reference is made in particular to Figs. 7 and 8. In a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the internal thread axis D(i.e. Fig. 7), the forward and rearward internal flank surfaces 76, 78form a plurality of internal loaded surfaces 91aand a plurality of internal non loaded surfaces 91b,respectively. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the internal loaded surfaces 91acan be straight. The internal loaded surfaces 91acan be inclined at an internal flank angle βwith respect to a holder radial plane RP2 perpendicular to the internal thread axis D . Preferably, the internal flank angle βcan be 31°. The internal flank angle βcan have the same value as the external flank angle αso that a continuous surface to surface abutment can be realized between internal and external loaded surface 91a, 59a . The internal non-loaded surfaces 91bcan be straight. The internal non-loaded surfaces 91bcan be inclined in an identical fashion to the internal loaded surfaces 91a(but reflected about the holder radial plane RP2) . The internal thread 72defines an internal thread form 86. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the internal thread 72can be a straight thread. Specifically, the internal thread ridge 74extends about an internal inner cylinder IC1defined by the points where the internal top surface 80are closest to the internal thread axis D . The internal thread groove 82extends about an internal outer cylinder IC2defined by the points where the internal bottom surface 84internal thread axis D.The internal inner and outer cylinders IC1, IC2have the internal thread axis Das their respective axes.The plurality of internal thread crests 88define the minor diameter (corresponding to internal inner cylinder IC1 ) and the plurality of internal thread roots 90define the major diameter (associated with internal outer cylinder IC2 ) of the internal thread 72 , respectively. The major diameter minus the minor diameter, divided by two, equals the internal thread height HIof the internal thread 72 . The internal thread height HIcan be constant. The internal thread height HI can be greater than a third of the internal thread pitch PI . The internal thread height HIcan be less than half of the internal thread pitch PI. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the internal thread 72can have between three and four turns in the axial direction. The internal thread 72can be a single start thread.In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the plurality of internal thread crests 88can each include a radially innermost internal crest surface 96a . The radially innermost internal crest surfaces 96acan be parallel to the internal thread axis Dand co-linear with each other. Thus, a radially innermost portion of the internal top surface 80 can lie on the internal inner cylinder IC1 . The plurality of internal thread roots 90can each include a radially outermost internal root surface 96b . The radially outermost internal root surface 96b can be parallel to the internal thread axis Dand co-linear with each other. Thus, a radially outermost portion of the internal bottom surface 84can lie on the internal outer cylinder IC2. In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each of the plurality of internal thread crests 88can include a relieved internal crest surface 98 extending between a respective radially innermost internal crest surface 96aand a respective internal loaded surface 91a . In a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the female coupling member 68containing the internal thread axis D(i.e. Fig. 8), each relieved internal crest surface 98can be oriented transversely with respect to the respective radially outermost internal root surface 96b and the respective internal loaded surface 91a . The relieved internal crest surface 98can merge with the respective internal loaded surface 91aat an internal crest point P’ . The internal crest point P’is spaced apart from the internal inner cylinder IC1by a first internal radial distance IRD1 . The internal crest point P’is spaced apart from the internal outer cylinder IC2by a second internal radial distance IRD2 . The sum of the first internal radial distance IRD1and the second internal radial distance IRD2is equal to the internal thread height HI . The first internal radial distance IRD1is greater than a quarter of the internal thread height HIand less than a half of the internal thread height HI . By increasing the internal thread height HI , the holder thickness Tis also increased. It has been found that increased holder thickness reduces stress at the internal thread root 90. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the female coupling member 68includes a forward supporting portion 92The forward supporting portion 92is located on the forward side of the internal thread 72 . The forward supporting portion 92includes a forward holder abutment surface 94that tapers radially inwardly towards the holder longitudinal axis Cin a rearward direction DR.That is to say, the forward holder abutment surface 94has a conical shape facing radially inwards. The forward holder abutment surface 94is configured and dimensioned to be complementary to the forward head abutment surface 64discussed above.Assembly of the rotary cutting tool 20is known, for example, from US 6,485,220 B2, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It is noted that the rotary cutting tool 20 is adjustable between a released position and a locked (or assembled) position.To adjust the rotary cutting tool 20to the locked position the external thread 42is screwed (i.e. turned) into the internal thread 72 .

In the locked position the male coupling member 38is removably retained in the female coupling member 68 . Also, the external and internal threads 42, 72threadingly engage each other. Referring now to Fig. 9, the forward head abutment surface 64abuts the forward holder abutment surface 94 . In accordance with some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the rearwardly facing head base surface 40can abut the forwardly facing holder forward surface 70 . The rearward internal flank surface 78can abut the forward external flank surface 46 . The forward internal flank surface 76can be spaced apart from the rearward external flank surface 48 . The internal top surface 80can be spaced apart from the external bottom surface 54 . The internal bottom surface 84can be spaced apart from the external top surface 50 . By virtue of the foregoing, in a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the longitudinal axis L , each of the internal loaded surfaces 91aabuts a respective external loaded surface 59a . Each of the internal non-loaded surfaces 91bis spaced apart from a respective external non-loaded surface 59b.Each internal thread crest 88is spaced apart from a respective external thread root 58 . Each internal thread root 90is spaced apart from a respective external thread crest 56 .Although the subject matter of the present application has been described to a certaindegree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. 300467/ - 17 - CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A replaceable cutting head (22), having a head longitudinal axis (A) extending in a forward (DF) to rearward direction (DR), comprising a forward portion forming a cutting portion (26) comprising at least one cutting edge (30); and a rearward portion forming a mounting portion (28), the mounting portion (28) comprising a male coupling member (38) having an external thread (42) and protruding rearwardly from a head base surface (40), the head base surface (40) extending transversely with respect to the head longitudinal axis (A), and defining a boundary between the cutting portion (26) and the mounting portion (28), wherein: the external thread (42) comprises an external thread ridge (44) extending helically about an external thread axis (B) and comprising forward and rearward external flank surfaces (46, 48) and an external top surface (50) extending therebetween; the forward and rearward external flank surfaces (46, 48) generally face in opposite axial directions (DF, DR) and delimit a helical external thread groove (52) that comprises an external bottom surface (54); the external thread (42) has a constant external thread pitch PE; the external thread (42) has a constant external thread height HE; the external thread (42) of the male coupling member (38) is a straight thread defined by external inner and outer cylinders (EC1, EC2), the external inner cylinder (EC1) having a minor thread diameter d2 and the external outer cylinder (EC2) having a major thread diameter d1; and in a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis (B): the forward and rearward external flank surfaces (46, 48) form a plurality of straight external loaded surfaces (59a) and a plurality of external non-loaded surfaces (59b) respectively; 300467/ - 18 - the external bottom surface (54) forms a plurality of concavely curved external thread roots (58), each external thread root (58) extending between first and second external root points (P1, P2) and merging with a respective external loaded surface (59a) at the first external root point (P1), the first external root point (P1) is spaced apart from the external inner cylinder (EC1) by a first external radial distance ERD1; and the first external radial distance ERD1 is greater than a third of the external thread height HE and less than two thirds of the external thread height HE.

2. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the first external radial distance ERD1 is greater than five twelfths of the external thread height HE and less than seven twelfths of the external thread height HE.

3. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein: each external loaded surface (59a) has an external loaded surface length L1 measured along contour thereof; and each external thread root (58) has an external thread root length L2 measured along the contour thereof between the first and second external root points (P1, P2); and the external thread root length L2 is between three and six times greater than the external loaded surface length L1.

4. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the minor thread diameter d2 is at least 75% of the major thread diameter d1.

5. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the external thread (42) has between three and four turns in the axial direction.

6. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the external thread (42) is a single start thread. 300467/ - 19 -

7. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the external thread height HE is greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE and less than half of the external thread pitch PE.

8. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein each external thread root (58) is defined by a single external root radius R.

9. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 8, wherein the external root radius R is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

10. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 8, wherein: the first and second external root points (P1, P2) subtend an external root subtend angle θ at the circle center (O) of an imaginary circle defined by the external root radius R; and the external root subtend angle θ is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 160°.

11. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 10, wherein: the external non-loaded surfaces (59b) are straight; each external thread root (58) merges tangentially with a respective external non-loaded surface (59b) at the second external root point (P2); and the external root subtend angle θ is greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 140°.

12. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 8, wherein the external root radius R is greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE and less than half of the external thread pitch PE.

13. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein each external thread root (58) merges tangentially with the respective external loaded surface (59a). 300467/ - 20 -

14. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein each external thread root (58) merges with a respective external non-loaded surface (59b) at the second external root point (P2).

15. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 14, wherein the external non-loaded surfaces (59b) are straight.

16. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 15, wherein each external thread root (58) merges tangentially with the respective external non-loaded surface (59b).

17. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second external root points (P1, P2) are spaced apart in an axial direction by a point distance d, the point distance d being greater than a third of the external thread pitch PE and less than half of the external thread pitch PE.

18. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein: the external loaded surfaces (59a) are inclined at an external flank angle α with respect to a head radial plane (RP1) perpendicular to the external thread axis (B); and the external flank angle α is in the range of 28° < α < 34°.

19. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein in said cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis (B): the external top surface (50) forms a plurality of external thread crests (56) each comprising a radially outermost external crest surface (61a), the radially outermost external crest surfaces (61a) being parallel to the external thread axis (B) and co-linear with each other.

20. The replaceable cutting head (22) according to claim 1, wherein in said cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the external thread axis (B): each straight external loaded surface (59a) has an external loaded surface height HS measured perpendicular to the external thread axis (B); and 300467/ - 21 - the external loaded surface height HS is greater than a third of the external thread height HE and less than three-fifths of the external thread height HE.

21. A rotary cutting tool (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and extending in a forward (DF) to rearward direction (DR), comprising: a tool holder (24) having a holder longitudinal axis (C) and a replaceable cutting head (22) in accordance with claim 1 threadingly engaged to the tool holder (24).

22. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 21, wherein: the replaceable cutting head (22) is made from a first material; the tool holder (24) is made from a second material; and the first material is harder than the second material.

23. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 21, wherein: the tool holder (24) has a female coupling member (68) having an internal thread (72) extending rearwardly from a holder forward surface (70), the holder forward surface (70) extending transversely with respect to the holder longitudinal axis (C); and the rotary cutting tool (20) is adjustable between: a released position in which the internal and external threads (42, 72) are not threadingly engaged to one another, and a locked position in which the male coupling member (38) is removably retained in the female coupling member (68) with the internal and external threads (42, 72) threadingly engaged to one another.

24. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 23, wherein the internal thread (72) of the female coupling member (68) is a straight thread defined by internal inner and outer cylinders (IC1, IC2).

25. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 23, wherein: 300467/ - 22 - the internal thread (72) comprises an internal thread ridge (74), extending helically about an internal thread axis (D), and comprising forward and rearward internal flank surfaces (76, 78) and an internal top surface (80) extending therebetween; the forward and rearward internal flank surfaces (76, 78) generally face in opposite axial directions (DF, DR) and delimit a helical internal thread groove (82) that comprises an internal bottom surface (84); and the forward external flank surface (46) and the forward internal flank surface (76) face in the forward direction (DF); the rearward external flank surface (48) and the rearward internal flank surface (78) face in the rearward direction (DR); and in the locked position, the rearward internal flank surface (78) abuts the forward external flank surface (46).

26. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 25, wherein the internal thread (72) has a constant internal thread pitch (PI) which is the same as the external thread pitch (PE).

27. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 25, wherein in the locked position: the forward internal flank surface (76) is spaced apart from the rearward external flank surface (48); the internal top surface (80) is spaced apart from the external bottom surface (54); and the internal bottom surface (84) is spaced apart from the external top surface (50).

28. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 25, wherein in a cross-sectional view taken in an axial plane containing the internal thread axis (D): the forward and rearward internal flank surfaces (76, 78) form a plurality of internal non-loaded surfaces (91b) and a plurality of internal loaded surfaces (91a) respectively, the internal loaded surfaces (91a) being straight.

29. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 25, wherein: the internal top surface (80) forms a plurality of internal thread crests (88), each of the plurality of internal thread crests (88) comprising a radially innermost internal crest surface (96a) 300467/ - 23 - which is parallel to the internal thread axis (D), the radially innermost internal crest surfaces (96a) being co-linear with each other.

30. The rotary cutting tool (20) according to claim 29, wherein: each of the plurality of internal thread crests (88) comprises a relieved internal crest surface (98) extending between a respective radially innermost internal crest surface (96a) and a respective internal loaded surface (91a); and each relieved internal crest surface (98) is oriented transversely with respect to the respective radially innermost internal crest surface (96a) and the respective internal loaded surface (91a).